What is a Metabolic Test?

Metabolic Testing

Sparks Systems utilizes metabolic testing to pinpoint inefficiencies in both training and diet. Addressing these inefficiencies enables maximum return on investment from both a training and nutrition.

What is Metabolic Testing?

Most people have heard the term, “VO2 max testing” when looking for a determinate of overall fitness. Maximum Volume of Oxygen (VO2 max) tells how much oxygen can be consumed and how much of that oxygen actually goes to the working muscles. During a metabolic test, much more can be determined about an individual's physiology than just VO2 max alone. VO2 max can tell us the size of the engine, but it is not a great indicator of an individual's efficiency, which at the end of the day, is the most important component in getting the absolute MOST out of your training and nutrition.

Performing a Metabolic Test

Running tests: The test will begin with a warm-up on the treadmill. Once the warm-up is complete, a comfortable mask is placed over the mouth and nose so that information regarding gas exchange can be obtained by the metabolic cart. The treadmill will then begin moving at an easy, comfortable pace and will increase in speed every two minutes, up to a point that is slightly faster than race pace speed. During the test the exercise physiologist will monitor the rate at which your body consumes oxygen, as well as your heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). The level of oxygen consumed will increase as the exercise intensity increases. After you have reached your peak level of oxygen consumption, a two minute cool-down period will begin to assess how quickly your cardiovascular system recovers. Total time for the test will be about 60 minutes, including time for warm-up, the running assessment, and a preliminary overview of the results.

Cycling tests: Using your individual bike, the test will begin with a warm-up on the CompuTrainer. Once the warm-up is complete, a comfortable mask will be placed over the mouth and nose so that information regarding your gas exchange can be obtained by the metabolic cart. Work on the CompuTrainer will then begin at a low and comfortable wattage for the first five minutes, and will increase in wattage every two minutes thereafter. During the test, the exercise physiologist will be monitoring the rate in which the body consumes oxygen, as well as heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). The level of oxygen consumed will increase as the exercise intensity (wattage on CompuTrainer) increases. After reaching the peak level of oxygen consumption, a two minute cool-down period will begin to assess how quickly the cardiovascular system recovers. Total time for the test will be about 60 minutes, including time for warm-up, the cycling assessment, and a preliminary overview of the results.

How to use metabolic testing results?

After performing a metabolic test, clients will be provided with individual heart rate training zones, which take the guesswork out of training and ability to increase your overall aerobic fitness. Your results will also be used to determine where inefficiencies lie from a metabolic standpoint so overall health can be addressed through diet modifications and adjusting training intensities.

For more information, please fill out the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.